Arne Slot admits Cody Gakpo problem after brilliant Liverpool brace against Brighton
Cody Gakpo was handed a rare start under Arne Slot but highlighted what he can do with two goals in Liverpool's win to leave the manager with a decision to make
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorArne Slot is pleased to see Cody Gakpo giving him selection problems after the Liverpool star scored twice to see off Brighton.
The Reds got the better of the Seagulls in a five-goal thriller despite making several changes to their line-up. Gakpo was among those to get a rare start with the Dutch forward, so far, largely enjoying his minutes off the bench this season.
He showed no signs of rustiness though as he scored twice in the second-half to ensure Liverpool made it into the last eight. There is huge competition for places in Liverpool's frontline with Gakpo battling against the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Slot was thrilled to see his compatriot perform and was glad to be given a headache surrounding who he should play going forward with Liverpool facing Brighton, again, at the weekend. Slot handed starts to the likes of Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, Joe Gomez and Jarrel Quansah as well as Gakpo.
The Reds boss said on those who stepped up at the Amex: “I really liked what I saw from players who haven’t played much so far this season. That makes it even harder for me to make line ups in the upcoming weeks.”
He went on to add: “In the second half of last season Cody scored a lot of goals so he’s been a good player for Liverpool for a long time now. He continues doing that and that’s a good thing.
“For me, he is a regular starter. Not starting every game but he’s started on a regular basis. There is tough competition with Luis Diaz. It’s normal at a club like Liverpool to have two quality players for every position. If you look at Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, who was unlucky with the goals we conceded, their overall performances I liked and they are in competition with Virgil (van Dijk) and Ibou (Konate).
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game because of their style of play and their recruitment over the past few years. To come away with a win is very pleasing for the long term."
The win on the south coast furthers Slot's incredible impressive start as Liverpool boss. The draw at Arsenal at the weekend was only the second time the Dutch coach had failed to win during his time as manager. He's now won 12 of his 14 games in charge.
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